license license /ˈlaɪsəns/

noun

1. () [ N. American] (law) a legal document giving official permission to do something  ( licence [Canadian, British] , license [ N. American] , permit )
   (law) a legal document giving official permission to do something
     He obtained a permit to build a new house on his property.
   He obtained a permit to build a new house on his property.
   
2. () [ N. American] Freedom to deviate deliberately from normally applicable rules or practices (especially in behavior or speech)  ( licence [Canadian, British] , license [ N. American] )
   freedom to deviate deliberately from normally applicable rules or practices (especially in behavior or speech)
     He obtained his driver's license after passing the test.
   He obtained his driver's license after passing the test.
   
3. [ N. American] The act of giving a formal (usually written) authorization  ( license [ N. American] , permission , permit )
   the act of giving a formal (usually written) authorization
   
4. [ N. American] Excessive freedom; lack of due restraint  ( licence [Canadian, British] , license [ N. American] )
   excessive freedom; lack of due restraint
    When liberty becomes license dictatorship is near
   when liberty becomes license dictatorship is near
    The intolerable license with which the newspapers break...the rules of decorum
   the intolerable license with which the newspapers break...the rules of decorum
   

verb

1. () Authorize officially  ( licence [Canadian, British] , certify , license )
   authorize officially
    I am licensed to practice law in this state
   I am licensed to practice law in this state